module specification

 The module aims to help students to develop their understanding and application of key communication skills, recognising the importance of these core skills for effective working in contemporary health and social care settings, and also developing students’ reflective skills in relation to their own personal development.

 Topics covered in the module include:

Communication theories, models and skills
Communication, mental health and illness
Communication and sensory impairment
Communication and cognitive impairment
Technology mediated communication
Cross-cultural communication
Communication, conflict and difficult situations
Communication, bereavement and grief
Communicating with children and young adults
Barriers to effective communication
Referencing and reflective writing
Role play and formation of effective groups
Giving and receiving feedback
Key study skills, including team-work skills
Using formative and summative feedback All LO1-6

The module will use a range of teaching and learning strategies, including role play, reflective learning exercises, interactive seminar workshops, problem-based learning activities etc. Students will be expected to source relevant information, by reading key literature and use specific online resources. Students will present a role play which will form the focus for discussion and reflection on their communication skills and how to use them effectively in practice.

 1. Apply a range of communication methods and skills essential for working in health and social care
2. Understand the significance of effective communication in relation to diverse health and social care contexts
3. Identify key theoretical frameworks and models underpinning effective communication, including their potential strengths and weaknesses
4. Collect relevant evidence from valid sources to inform their learning of effective communication in health and social care
5. Undertake a systematic reflection on own module experience and personal communication skills
6. Demonstrate awareness of relevant ethical issues, including those arising in the context of own module experience

The purpose of the assessment strategy is to enable students to understand and develop key communication skills, such as verbal, non-verbal and written, through a series of formative and summative exercises. They will enable them to rehearse and put into practice their skills through role play and other class-based activities.  The written assessment (in the form of a reflective diary) provides a mechanism for students to apply theory to practice and reflect on their learning and personal development. The module assessments consist of:
An online pre-reading quiz in week 7 (LO 2 & 3) - summative
A small group role play presentation in week 12 (LO 1, 2, & 6) - summative
Reflective diary x1 in week 16 - formative
Reflective diary (2000 words) in week 24 (LO  4 & 5) - summative

 Core reading material:
Adams, R. [Ed] (2007) Foundations of Health and Social Care. Palgrave.
Berry, D. (2007) Health communication: theory and practice. Maidenhead, OUP.
e-book available via the University library at: http://catalogue.londonmet.ac.uk/record=b1575823
Gault, I., Shapcott, J., Luthi, A., Reid, G. and Francois, J. (2017) Communication in nursing and healthcare: a guide for compassionate practice. London, U.K.: Sage.
Schiavo, R. (2014). Health communication: from theory to practice. http://catalogimages.wiley.com/images/db/jimages/9781118122198.jpg.

Additional:
Boud D, Keough R & Walker D (1985) Reflection: Turning Experience into Learning. New York: Nichols.
Crawford P, Brown B & Bonham P (2006) Communication in Clinical Settings. Cheltenham, Nelson Thornes.
Dickson D, Hargie O & Morrow N. (1997) Communication Skills Training for health professionals.  2nd edition. Cheltenham : Nelson Thornes.
Donnelly E, Neville L (2008) Communication and interpersonal skills. Exeter, Reflect Press.
Hargie O [Ed] (2006) The Handbook of Communication Skills 3rd edition. Routledge: London
Hull C, Redfern L & Shuttleworth A (2005) Profiles & Portfolios; A Guide for Health & Social Care
Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke.
Russell J (2005) Introduction to Psychology for Health Carers. Cheltenham, Nelson Thornes.
Schon D (1996) The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action. Aldershot, Arena Ashgate Publishing Ltd.
Moss, B. (2017) Communication Skills in Health & Social Care (4th ed). London, Sage.
Ley, P. (1988) Communicating with patients: improving communication, satisfaction and compliance. London, Croom Helm.
Hogg, C., and Karen Holland. 2001. Cultural awareness in nursing and health care: an introductory text. London: Arnold.
Morrissey, J., & Callaghan, P. (2011). Communication skills for mental health nurses. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Key Websites:
• Skills for Health http://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/
• Introduction to: Communication Skills Student Training Module https://www.networks.nhs.uk/nhs-networks/medslearning/documents/communications-1
• NICE Effective communication skills https://www.evidence.nhs.uk/Search?q=effective+communication+skills
• Communication skills in Social Care http://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Documents/Learning-and-development/Core-skills/Communication-skills-in-social-care.pdf